From The Archives: The Construction Of Airplane Propellers

"There are a large number of woods used in the construction of airplane propellers and the selection of one suitable to meet the conditions in hand is not always an easy problem," writes Frank W. Caldwell. 

He goes on to discuss which type of wood works best for airplane propellers. The types of wood commonly used in America include birch, Honduras mahogany, gum, maple, spruce, poplar and ash. While in England Honduras mahogany and black walnut are widely used. 

Caldwell explains that for engines up to about 50 hp. "spruce is a most satisfactory wood, as it is light, strong, easy to glue, and is not excessively affected by climatic conditions."

He discusses the process of seasoning of the wood, lamination and glueing. 

The two and a half page article, complete with diagrams explains the propeller making process, for example the sketch that is "FIG 1." demonstrates the circulation of air through dry kiln, and FIG 3. show how the patterns [of the wood] should be marked out, according to the direction of the grain in the wood.

Caldwell suggests that the seasoning of the wood is "perhaps the most important consideration of the construction of the wood".

He makes the point that properly seasoned wood has not been readily available "owing to the forced development of the art". For best results the wood should be air seasoned for five years before it is used. 

This article is from May 1, 1917 issue of Aviation, as the magazine was titled back then. 

Read the full article about the construction of airplane propellers. 

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